Österreichische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Zöliakie is the leading organization in Austria dedicated to supporting individuals with celiac disease. It provides essential resources, advocacy, and guidance for gluten-free living, working to improve awareness, diagnosis, and quality of life for those affected. Through educational initiatives and collaborations, it promotes safe food choices and industry standards for gluten-free products.

Time slot (1): Tuesday 17th June 12:30-13:00 

Key-Note Speaker (1): Hertha Deutsch, CEO

Topic - ''International glutenfree Certification - best guarantee for gluten intolerant cosumers ''

The only treatment for coeliac disease is the gluten-free diet. The “Crossed Grain-Symbol”, known as “THE Gluten-free Symbol”, is the identification symbol not only for the Austrian Coeliac Society and many other coeliac societies e.g. AOECS, the umbrella association of national coeliac societies, it is the identification symbol for gluten-free foods since more than 50 years.

Representatives of coeliac societies have worked successfully to improve food labelling legislation and the threshold for “gluten-free” in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, in the Codex Committees and in the European Union. Based on these international Standards and Regulations, the “AOECS Standard for gluten-free foods” and the world-wide licensing system for the Crossed Grain Symbol has been developed. More than 23.000 products in Europe are bearing this international gluten-free certification providing the best guarantee not only for coeliacs but also for other people who must or want to avoid wheat or gluten in their diet.